What is a standing order? And how it differs from a Direct Debit
By SendPay Business · · 2 min read
- 1Set up the plan once
- 2It renews on the same day each month
- 3Payments arrive without chasing
A standing order is an instruction you give your own bank to pay a fixed amount to someone on a regular schedule, such as £500 on the first of every month. You set it up, you control it, and only you can change or cancel it.
How it works
- You choose who to pay, how much and how often in your banking app.
- Your bank sends the payment automatically on each date.
- You change or cancel it yourself whenever you like.
Standing order vs Direct Debit
With a standing order, the payer is in control and the amount is fixed until they change it. With a Direct Debit, the payer gives a business permission to collect payments, and the business can take varying amounts after giving notice. Direct Debits are covered by the Direct Debit Guarantee; standing orders are not.
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When to use each
Standing orders suit fixed payments such as rent, regular savings or paying a family member. Direct Debits suit bills where the amount changes, such as energy or phone bills.
Where SendPay fits
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- 2Choose what it does
- 3Launch when you are ready
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Questions people ask
When will each standing order payment go out?
List every date and the total with the free calculator.
Standing order calculator →What is a Direct Debit?
How businesses collect regular payments from a bank account.
What is a Direct Debit? →What is recurring billing?
How businesses charge customers on a schedule.
What is recurring billing? →Read next
Spotted a mistake or something out of date? and we'll fix it. How our guides are made
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. SendPay Business is a technology company, not a bank, and does not take deposits; regulated services on the platforms are provided by licensed partners. Other companies named in this guide are reference points only and are not affiliated with SendPay Business.